Amazon.Com Inc - AMZN STOCK NEWS

QTS Realty Trust announced an expansion of its connectivity ecosystem with Amazon Web Services (AWS) deploying network infrastructure in its mega data centers located in Chicago, Atlanta, and Piscataway. This long-term agreement provides AWS with high-density colocation, supporting scalable connectivity for AWS customers. QTS facilitates efficient growth for AWS with dedicated resources and enhances its connectivity ecosystem to bolster cloud interconnections and global backbone access. This move aligns with QTS' vision to decentralize network architecture and improve connectivity across major U.S. markets.

Amazon Music has announced its upcoming original documentary, For Love & Country, aimed at highlighting the role of Black artists in the evolution of country music. Directed by Joshua Kissi, the film will premiere on April 7 on Amazon Music and Prime Video. The documentary features interviews and performances from a new generation of Black artists, including Grammy nominees and breakthrough artists. Additionally, an acoustic version of 'Black Myself' by Amythyst Kiah is now available as an Amazon Original.

Amazon is investing over $124.4 million to build 1,060 affordable homes near public transit in Washington state. This is part of the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, which has committed over $1.2 billion to create or preserve over 8,000 homes since its launch in January 2021. New developments include projects near the New Carrollton and College Park Metro Stations, enhancing accessibility and affordability for low- and moderate-income families. The initiative aims to address the affordable housing crisis while creating economic opportunities in the region.

Amazon has announced a significant investment of $81.7 million to develop 742 new affordable homes in Maryland, part of its commitment to tackle the housing crisis. This follows a total of over $795 million invested in the Arlington-Washington, D.C. area since the launch of the Amazon Housing Equity Fund in January 2021. This initiative aims to create and preserve more than 20,000 affordable homes across multiple regions.

Amazon has announced an investment of over $42.5 million to construct 318 affordable homes in Washington state, part of its broader $300 million commitment to affordable housing near public transit. Over the past 14 months, Amazon has allocated more than $344.3 million in Puget Sound, increasing affordable housing units by 20% in Bellevue. The company's Housing Equity Fund aims to create 20,000 affordable homes, benefiting moderate to low-income families and enhancing community access to jobs and services.

Amazon and Global Optimism announced that over 300 companies have now signed The Climate Pledge, marking nearly 600% growth in one year. This new wave includes Maersk, SAP, Weyerhaeuser, Sunrun, and HARMAN, collectively generating over $3.5 trillion in annual revenues. Signatories commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Amazon's participation has so far reduced emissions equivalent to 50 million vehicle miles. The initiative aligns with the Paris Agreement to combat climate change.

Mogo Inc. announced the appointment of Allan Smith as Head of its digital payments subsidiary, Carta Worldwide. This follows Mogo's acquisition of Carta in January 2021, which has significantly increased the company's market reach, targeting a global payments market projected to hit $2.5 trillion by 2023. In 2021, Carta's processing volume rose over 50% to approximately $8.5 billion. Smith brings 15 years of fintech leadership experience, including roles at SoFi and Amazon, and aims to drive Carta's growth amid rising digital payment adoption.

Amazon has expanded its Career Choice program, partnering with over 140 U.S. universities to provide fully-funded college tuition for its 750,000 hourly employees. This initiative, part of Amazon's $1.2 billion Upskilling 2025 commitment, aims to upskill 300,000 employees by 2025. Texas employees will benefit from partnerships with local institutions such as University of Texas at Dallas and Texas State University. Additionally, Amazon offers free high school completion, GED preparation, and English proficiency training, enhancing employee career advancement opportunities.

IMDb has awarded the inaugural IMDb “Icon” STARmeter Award to Salma Hayek Pinault in celebration of the 20th anniversary of IMDbPro. This award aims to recognize influential actors based on popularity among the platform's over 200 million monthly visitors. Hayek Pinault, known for her roles in notable films such as Eternals and House of Gucci, emphasized the ongoing fight for gender equality in the industry during her acceptance speech. IMDb is also honoring Women’s History Month with special content focusing on women's contributions to entertainment.